This root has been considered a miracle drug since ancient times, as well as an amazing seasoning for various dishes. It is believed that in terms of usefulness it is close to garlic. However, not everyone knows how to use ginger properly. Meanwhile, this information is important.

Nuances of use

1. Much depends on what kind of taste you want to get in the end. So, if you want freshness, it is recommended to use fresh ginger in dishes. But if you are a fan of hot food, you should take ground;
2. A wooden chopping board works best. The fact is that the product after processing leaves a strong odor that is absorbed into the wood. But synthetic can be used. The root is well crushed with a grater;
3. If you have heard about what ginger essential oil is and how it is good for immunity, keep in mind that it is wiser not to make it yourself, but to purchase it ready-made. The fact is that one root contains only 1-3% of the desired substance. Thus, essential oil in large quantities is about 50 kilograms of dried ginger;
4. The root must be thoroughly washed before use. The skin is then removed with a sharp knife. Fresh ginger peels well, so there shouldn't be any problems. However, it is important not to overdo it, as there is an essential oil under the skin.

The use of ginger in dishes

1. A fresh, grated root is like a teaspoon of ground ginger. This information will help you take ginger root without fear of overdose;
2. There is a small nuance regarding how much seasoning should be added to meat dishes or pastries. So, per kilogram of the mass of the dish, you can safely use only a gram of ginger;
3. To get delicious and healthy dishes, it is important to consider not only how much seasoning should be added, but also the time of its addition. It is added to baked goods at the kneading stage. However, if the root is used as a candied seasoning, it is applied to the prepared food. You can add sweets up to three minutes before the end of cooking. Meat can be seasoned with ginger for twenty minutes before the end of cooking. But the ground root should be added to the sauce after heat treatment;
4. If you do not like the taste or smell of something, then you can try to neutralize it by eating food with ginger sauce. For example, many welcome the use of lamb with ginger sauce. For the sauce, lemon juice, half a glass of olive oil, three cloves of chopped garlic, and freshly grated ginger root are taken.

raw ginger

As you know, during processing, products often lose their useful properties. And ginger has them in full, besides being an excellent tool for boosting immunity. Can this plant be eaten raw? It is quite possible to do this, but its taste is quite specific - burning, spicy. If you are able to eat such food, then you can take it at least every day in its raw form, after chopping the fresh root on a grater. This component fits perfectly into salads, giving them a sharpness.

Previously, raw ginger could be placed under the tongue and sucked, thereby fighting bad breath. However, this method is also suitable for weight loss - some girls prefer to take ginger in this way as an aid in the fight against excess weight.

It should be borne in mind that by choosing the wrong root, you can get problems. Softness indicates the beginning of the process of decay. Stains and bumps also indicate that you do not need to take the product. And there should be no cloying smell.

Drinking as a tea

It is also recommended to take this plant in the form of tea to increase immunity. In addition, such a miraculous tea will help you eat with appetite, get rid of indigestion, gastritis, nausea, and constipation. What can we say about colds, flu, headaches, bronchitis, in which you can take such a drink at least every day! Suitable for both raw and ground products.

You need to learn a few rules regarding brewing such miraculous tea:

• If there is a goal to get rid of a cold and fight for an increase in immunity, it is worth boiling ginger water for at least 10 minutes. In this case, the dishes must be picked up open;
• Ground ginger is not used in the same proportion as fresh, but half as much. In addition, the drink will have to be heated for at least 20 minutes over low heat. However, for immunity, it will remain just as useful;
• How long will it take to infuse tea in a thermos? Preferably at least a few hours;
• The sharp taste can be repulsive at first, but it is quite possible to get used to it. If it still doesn’t work out in any way, but it is necessary to drink tea to increase immunity, it is recommended to add lemon balm, mint, honey, green tea, lemon, cardamom or orange juice to it.

Essential ginger oil

Essential oil from ginger helps not only to relieve inflammation, overcome arthritis and arthrosis, but also to cope with problems of the nervous system. This essential oil relieves apathy, improves memory, reduces aggressiveness. A person not only feels an increase in immunity, but also feels a surge of vitality, which, in turn, helps to fight many ailments.

In addition, this essential oil is an excellent cosmetic product, being the basis of many masks. For example, in the composition of a homemade hair mask, you need to include both the essential oil of this plant and any vegetable oil. The latter can be olive, vegetable, castor. The mask is gently applied to the scalp at least every other day or a couple of days for 15 or 20 minutes. It is washed off with the shampoo that is usually used. Also, cosmetologists recommend including a similar ingredient in face masks.

The use of this wonderful plant leads to amazing consequences in the absence of contraindications and compliance with the measure. However, it is not enough just to throw it into food or drink. It is important to know how much ginger can be consumed, when and where to add it, based on the centuries-old experience of our predecessors.

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In eastern countries, ginger is called a universal medicine. And this is no accident: scientists identify more than two dozen of its useful properties. In addition, due to its aroma and taste, the root of the plant is widely used in cooking and even in perfumery.

Benefits of ginger

A universal medicine in the East and a spice used almost everywhere, ginger is not so widespread in the Slavic countries. This is largely due to the fact that not everyone knows about a large list of useful properties.

Although the first mention of a beneficial effect on the digestive system (in particular, as an antidote) appeared before our era. Now, among the useful properties of ginger, the following are distinguished:

• diaphoretic;
• painkiller;
• antiemetic;
• expectorant;
• stimulates the work of the digestive tract;
• improvement of appetite;
• cleanses the blood of cholesterol;
• cleanses the body of toxins and toxins;
• improves blood circulation;
• strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
• warms;
• disinfectant;
• increases sex drive.

Ginger has no equal among other spices, not only in its healing properties, but also in taste.

An interesting fact: studies have proven that there is no medicinal plant or drug that can cope with seasickness more effectively than ginger.

The usefulness of ginger largely depends on the form in which it is used. The most common ginger is fresh, dried and pickled. In some cases, ginger oil is used.

Dry ginger powder is convenient to use in cooking. In folk medicine, it is used as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic.

Pickled ginger is most often served in cafes and restaurants along with fresh fish and meat dishes. It has antihelminthic and antimicrobial properties. Ginger oil is also used in cooking as well as in the medical field as an antidepressant.

How to choose the right ginger?

There are several widespread species of the root of this plant. Basically, its exporting countries are Japan, China and Africa. At the same time, both the appearance and the taste of the product may differ.

Ginger with a golden color has a more pronounced spicy aroma and taste. This variety is brought from eastern countries. African ginger has a darker color and a bitter taste.

An interesting fact: in the Middle Ages in Great Britain, 1 pound of ginger cost as much as a whole sheep.

• color: it should be golden;
• skin structure: it should be smooth and slightly shiny;
• the root should be hard to the touch, and when the process is broken off, a crunch should be heard;
• size: the more root and branches on it, the more useful components and essential oils it contains.

It is not uncommon for stores to supply old ginger, which is no longer usable. In this case, the sellers, trying to hide the defects, cut off the damaged places. In this regard, it is not recommended to acquire a root on which there are several cuts.

Also, in stores you can find sprouted ginger, which is completely unsuitable for consumption. The only thing you can do with it is plant it in a pot and try to grow a new root.

When choosing dried ginger, it is enough to check whether the package is intact and whether the expiration date has expired.

How to Brew Ginger Tea for Maximum Benefits

It would seem, what could be easier than brewing tea? However, in order to be sure that the maximum of useful properties will be preserved in ginger tea, it is recommended to follow some tips:

1. The water temperature should be between 50-60°C. If this recommendation is followed, more vitamin C is retained in tea.
2. To improve the taste of the drink, sweeteners, in particular sugar, are used. To increase the usefulness, it is best to replace it with honey.
3. To enhance the properties, it is recommended to add a mint leaf and a couple of slices of lemon.
4. To enhance the effect of ginger, it is recommended to add garlic. However, due to the fact that such tea has a specific smell, its recipe is not very common.
5. Fresh ginger tea, which has just been brewed, is most useful. Therefore, it is best to brew tea daily. Yesterday's tea will no longer be as useful as freshly brewed tea.
6. For brewing, ginger root is crushed in several ways: cut into small cubes, slices or grated. Everyone chooses this option for himself. However, ginger gives the most pronounced taste if it is grated.
7. If tea is drunk in order to get rid of excess weight, it is recommended to take it before the start of the meal, since ginger helps to dull the appetite.
8. Often honey is added to tea. It is best to do this immediately before use, and not when the water boils. In this case, all the valuable properties of honey will be preserved.
9. For the preparation of ginger tea, it is best to give preference to those varieties of tea that do not have additives in their composition.
10. If fresh ginger root is not available, you can add ground powder, but in half the dosage (no more than half a teaspoon).

Tea with ginger and lemon - a step by step recipe

To enjoy ginger tea with lemon, you will need the following products:

• ½ lemon;
• fresh ginger root about 3-3.5 cm in size;
• water - 1.5 liters.

The preparation time of the drink is a third of an hour.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Remove the skin from the ginger and cut the root into thin slices.
2. Wash the lemon, rinse with hot water, then cut into circles.
3. To boil water.
4. Add ginger slices, lemon slices to the teapot, then pour boiling water over it and cover with a lid.
5. After 15 minutes, aromatic tea can be poured into cups.

To improve the taste, you can add sugar, honey.

Required products:

• fresh ginger root - 2 by 2 cm;
• ¼ part of a lemon;
• green tea.

Cooking:

1. Ginger must be subjected to primary processing.
2. Squeeze the juice from a quarter of a lemon.
3. 1/5 liter of water is poured into a small container, squeezed lemon juice and peeled ginger root are added.
4. The liquid must be brought to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook for another 10-12 minutes.
5. At the same time, we brew green tea. The variety can be selected based on personal preference.
6. Ready green tea is mixed with ginger broth. If desired, you can add a little sugar or honey.

Such ginger tea tones well, helps to lose weight and stimulates metabolism.

Tea with ginger and honey

Ginger tea with lemon and honey is an indispensable drink in the autumn-spring periods, when the risk of colds and flu increases. It not only increases the protective functions of the body, but also invigorates, relieves stress, helps reduce headaches, promotes weight loss and improves metabolic processes in the body.

To make this tea, you need the following ingredients (the amount is given for 1 cup of tea):

• fresh ginger - a piece of 1 by 1 cm;
• slice of lemon;
• honey - a teaspoon;
• 200-250 ml of water.

How to cook:

1. First of all, you need to boil water.
2. Ginger root is peeled and rubbed on a coarse grater.
3. The result should be about ½ teaspoon of grated mass, which is poured with boiling water.
4. After 10-12 minutes, a slice of lemon and honey are added to the ginger tea.
5. The components are mixed, after which ginger tea with honey can be drunk.

To improve the digestive processes, remove toxins and improve the absorption of food, tea is recommended to be taken three times a day. There is one nuance of taking this tea: if the acidity of the stomach is increased, then the drink is drunk during the meal, and if it is reduced, up to ½ hour before the start of the meal.

Ginger tea for weight loss - a recipe with 100% efficiency

One of the best combinations that have proven themselves well for overweight problems is ginger and garlic. Garlic not only significantly enhances the action of the root, but also prevents the appearance of new cholesterol deposits. This drink is recommended to drink throughout the day.

To make tea for the whole day you need:

• water - 2 liters;
• ginger root - 4 by 4 cm;
• garlic - 2 cloves.

Brewing steps:

1. Boil water.
2. Peel the ginger, cut into slices or grate.
3. Garlic should be cut into slices.
4. Put the ingredients in a thermos and fill with water.
5. Duration of infusion - 1 hour.
6. After that, the tea is filtered and drunk within one day.

The disadvantage of this drink is that, despite its high efficiency, it is not very pleasant to the taste.

Contraindications for ginger tea

Ginger, which is also called a universal medicine, can bring not only benefits, but also harm to the body. It is not recommended to take ginger tea for the following diseases:

• with enteritis, ulcers, colitis, gastritis (ginger tea can harm the already damaged mucous membrane of the digestive tract);
• with cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis;
• with cholelithiasis;
• with any type of bleeding;
• with high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, pre-infarction condition;
• at body temperature over 39ºС;
• during pregnancy in the second and third trimester;
• if there is an allergic reaction.

Also, this drink should be treated with caution while taking drugs that have a stimulating effect on the work of the heart, reduce blood pressure and help stabilize the heart rhythm.

With the simultaneous administration of the drug and tea, an overdose effect may occur. It is strictly forbidden to take a drink along with drugs that thin the blood, since the root has the same property.

Ginger tea for pregnant women and children: the dangers and nuances of taking

It would seem that pregnancy is the most important period for a woman. And the use at this time of any highly effective drugs or medicinal herbs is impossible, since this negatively affects the development of the fetus.

Ginger not only has a positive effect on the condition of the expectant mother, but also helps to cope with toxicosis. However, this is only in the first trimester of pregnancy.

In the second and third trimester, this plant goes into the category of prohibited foods. This is due to the following reasons:

• ginger can lead to violations of the hormonal background of the embryo;
• may aggravate the situation if the mother has problems with blood clotting, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease;
• when used in the second and third trimester, it can lead to a strong jump in blood pressure.

Ginger has many medicinal properties that people knew about in ancient India and China. cured a cold, it warmed in the winter, served as a prophylactic against infections. During long voyages, sailors chewed pieces of ginger, which helped them cope with signs of seasickness. Currently, ginger is used as a spice and spice in cooking, recipes with ginger are included in traditional medicine reference books.

Ginger preparation

Ginger is a herbaceous plant with a thick root, which is healing. Other names for ginger are white or horned root. The plant grows in the countries of South Asia. The spice is cultivated in West Africa, Australia, Indonesia, India, China. As a medicinal raw material, the rhizomes of the plant are harvested. Ginger has a sharp, burning taste with a sweet aftertaste and a strong spicy smell. There are white and black ginger. Black has a richer taste.

Composition of ginger

Ginger contains a whole range of useful substances necessary for the body:

• essential oil (up to 3%)
• plant-derived amino acids (valine, phenylalanine, methionine)
• minerals (calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus)
• vitamins C, B, A
• gingerol

Useful properties of ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory, tonic, diaphoretic, antiemetic effect. The gingerol contained in the plant warms the body from the inside. As a result, the blood vessels expand, the metabolism accelerates due to the supply of a large amount of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues. Metabolic processes are stimulated, immunity is strengthened, inflammatory processes in the body are reduced, tissue soreness is relieved, swelling disappears, and body fat is reduced.

With the help of ginger, you can alleviate the condition with painful menstruation, uterine spasms are relieved, digestion improves, gases are removed. Toxins are efficiently and easily removed from the body.

The effect of ginger on hormones

Ginger root has a beneficial effect on weight, can increase resistance to mental and physical stress, and helps to cope with stress. Experts were able to establish a link between stress and weight. Experiencing overload, nervous tension, the body begins to intensively produce cortisone. The body perceives the production of this hormone as a signal of danger. The body begins to save, some of the nutrients are deposited on the stomach and on the sides in reserve.

It is worth including dried or fresh ginger, drinks or dishes from it in the diet. Ginger has the following effect on the body:

• creates a feeling of long satiety;
• inhibition of cortisone production occurs;
• relieves stress;
• improves cerebral circulation;
• improves mood;
• removes cholesterol from the body;
• relieves muscle soreness after exercise.

The effect of ginger in weight loss

The human body is a complex system. If the balance in the body is disturbed for some reason, then the body immediately reacts, extra centimeters and kilograms appear. The mechanism of burning the received calories fails. What effect of ginger on the human body contributes to weight loss? The root of this amazing plant contains shogaol and gingerol, these are active compounds that cause fat accumulation to burn and activate metabolism. Excess calories from food are not stored, but converted into heat and actively consumed.

Ginger has an effect on digestion. Thanks to him, food is absorbed faster, processed without residue. The ancient Romans chewed slices of ginger between meals to repel the taste of previous dishes, get rid of unpleasant odors, and improve the absorption of heavy meals. Ginger can affect increased gas formation, neutralize irritable bowel syndrome.

The effect of ginger on blood pressure

What effect does ginger have on pressure? Expert opinions differ. Some people think that ginger increases it, others that it lowers it. Who is right? The answer is definitely not possible. Hypertension is not a fully understood disease, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the organism. Therefore, it is impossible to predict how the body will behave with a single dose of ginger.

Ginger thins the blood, it relaxes the muscles, improves blood circulation. It is useful for hypertensive patients. Ginger tea for prevention should be taken regularly, but within reasonable limits. Tea perfectly tones, so in the afternoon it is better to refrain from it. Do not take ginger drink with sedatives.

Taking ginger and heart medications at the same time can cause harm. Do not rely on ginger as the main remedy for the treatment of hypertension. But for prevention it can be used.

Preparation of drinks from ginger

Healing drinks from ginger are prepared according to various recipes. At the heart of any of them is the ginger root, the rest of the components can be varied.

Ginger drink with green tea. This tea will be useful for colds. Pour 1 tsp into a heated teapot. dry tea leaves, chopped ginger root (2 tsp), pour a glass of boiling water. After a few minutes, you can drink ginger tea, in which you can add lemon, honey for taste.

Ginger. Useful for weight loss. Grate a small piece of ginger, transfer to a thermos, place 2 chopped garlic cloves there. Pour the mixture with two liters of boiling water. You can drink after an hour.

Ginger tea with mint. This is a tonic drink. 2 tsp grated ginger brew a glass of boiling water. Add honey, lemon and mint.

Health recipes with ginger

Bath with ginger. 2 tbsp. l. ginger powder insist 10 minutes in 2 liters of water. Warm infusion is poured into the bath. After a hard day's work, such a bath will bring significant relaxation, help you forget about problems.

Ginger paste. For the treatment of boils, abscesses, you need to take the powder of ginger, turmeric (1 tsp each), dilute with warm water and the state of gruel. Apply the mixture to the abscess to draw out pus.

Ginger for rheumatism. 2 tsp ginger powder mixed with 0.5 tsp. hot red pepper, 1 tsp. turmeric. Add some water. Apply the mixture on gauze, attach to the sore spot. You have to be careful not to burn the skin. There are contraindications.

For many centuries, ginger never ceases to amaze people with its beneficial and healing properties. It is very popular in medicine, cooking and cosmetology. Among all the spices, ginger root is in the first positions in terms of the amount of micro-, macroelements and vitamins. Contains essential amino acids for our body. This fragrant plant with a unique fresh sweet-spicy taste is grown all over the world - in Australia, Brazil, West Africa, China, India.

Ginger root is shaped like deer antlers, which is why it is also called “horned root”. It is he who is considered the main value of the plant. There are several types of ginger, but two are used in the consumer sector:

• black raw ginger;
• white ginger (rhizome washed and processed).

The latter can often be seen on store shelves. It has a light brown skin and is yellow inside. It is sold fresh, dried, pickled, candied and in powder form. There is also ginger oil.

A perennial medicinal plant surprises with its rich and diverse chemical composition.:

• minerals: iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, selenium, calcium, aluminum, chromium;
• vitamins A, C and group B;
• amino acids(strengthen the walls of blood vessels and form new cells in muscle fibers);
• essential oil;
• irreplaceable fatty acid: linoleic, caprylic and oleic;
• alimentary fiber;
• gingerol(accelerates metabolism, which leads to weight loss);
• alkaloid capsaicin(has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect);
• curcumin(natural antibiotic, immunomodulator, analgesic and tonic).

in ginger fully no cholesterol which is very important for health.

This composition is unique and unrepeatable. Thanks to which ginger root is so popular all over the world.

The benefits of ginger for the human body

Ginger root is consumed both dry and fresh, pickled and candied, in the form of a decoction, tea, tincture, spice. We highlight the main factors that positively affect the human body when using ginger in the diet. So, the beneficial properties of ginger:

1. Improves digestion, fights flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, colic, gases.
2. Indispensable for toxicosis during pregnancy.
3. Helps overcome seasickness. Reduces the manifestation of the main symptoms caused by this disease. It is enough to drink a cup of ginger tea before the trip or chew on a piece of fresh root.
4. Chewing ginger root will improve the condition of teeth and gums.
5. It is very useful for the cardiovascular system: it normalizes the work of the heart, blood pressure, blood circulation of the brain, strengthens the heart muscle.
6. It has a mild laxative property.
7. It has an anthelmintic effect.
8. Relieves acne and pimples.
9. Dealing with anger and fear.
10. Improves memory.
11. Increases the tone of the body.
12. The use of ginger in various dishes helps to reduce blood cholesterol.
13. Ginger tea with mint, lemon, honey helps to lose weight and normalize metabolism.
14. Ginger essential oil relieves psycho-emotional problems.

Medicinal properties of ginger

In addition to the taste properties of this plant, it has a healing effect. In the Asian and Arab world, it is one of the most popular spices. This is a universal natural medicine that saves from many diseases:

• varicose veins, atherosclerosis;
• inflammation of the gastric mucosa;
• colds: influenza, SARS, tonsillitis, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, bronchitis, bronchial asthma;
• muscle and joint pain in rheumatism, arthritis, arthrosis, sciatica;
• stomatitis, toothache, headache and menstrual pain;
• burns, bruises;
• diabetes;
• chronic kidney and liver diseases as a supportive agent;
• infertility;
• dermatitis;
• prostatitis;
• impotence.

The use of ginger by women

It has been proven that the use of ginger is especially beneficial for women. It normalizes the work of her reproductive system: it increases the tone of the uterus, treats infertility, and prevents various inflammatory processes. During menstruation relieves pain, has a sedative effect. Ginger root can cure fibroids, normalize hormonal levels, and soften hot flashes during menopause.

This product perfectly helps pregnant women to endure toxicosis, relieves dizziness and weakness. It is better to take it in the form of tea: grate half a teaspoon of the root on a coarse grater, pour boiling water over it, let it brew, add honey. You can drink warm or chilled. This tea refreshes, invigorates, relieves vomiting.

However, some experts believe that it is better not to use ginger root for pregnant women. Some studies prove the link between ginger and miscarriages, while others refute this fact.. Therefore, in such a situation, when the harm and benefit of the product for the body are on the same level, it is worth consulting with a doctor. Perhaps he will allow the use of the product, but only in a certain amount and form.

The use of ginger by men

Since ancient times, this unique spice has been used as an aphrodisiac. Essential oils, lysine and vitamin C, which are rich in ginger root, increase muscle tone in the genitals and sexual desire. Also, this aphrodisiac enhances sensitivity during intercourse.

In Chinese, the word ginger means "masculinity." That is, it is a male spice. This means that it not only stimulates potency, but also adds confidence, strength and energy, which is very important for a man, especially after 35 years. With the constant use of this product, the risk of inflammation of the prostate is reduced, mental and physical abilities are increased.

Can children eat ginger and at what age?

Ginger is considered an allergenic product. Therefore, it should be used with caution in children. However, ginger tea, according to experts, will not harm the children's body. On the contrary, it will fill it with useful substances and vitamins.

Ginger inhalations are great for colds and SARS. Anesthetic plant compresses are used for bruises and small hematomas.

Up to two years, ginger is strictly contraindicated for a child.. And some experts argue that only after seven years the child's body can perceive this product without consequences.

Contraindications and harm

Ginger, like any useful plant, has some contraindications. The use of this product in large quantities can provoke:

• dryness and irritation of the skin;
• heartburn or diarrhea;
• irritation of the mucous membrane of the larynx;
• vision problems;
• insomnia or drowsiness;
• allergic reaction, etc.

Such problems mainly appear with an overdose (more than 4 grams of dry product) and long-term use of ginger.

It is not recommended to use ginger for various heart diseases and internal bleeding (uterine, stomach). If a person has gallstone disease, ginger root can aggravate the patient's condition by stimulating the production of bile.

Ginger has a strong warming effect, so it is not desirable at high temperatures.

Proper and moderate use of ginger will increase immunity, rejuvenate the body, give vigor, energy and self-confidence. Therefore, do not abuse the product and you will maintain your health for many years.

Ginger has become popular in Russia quite recently, but meanwhile it is a very ancient spice, it was highly valued in ancient Rome, and was brought from the camp of the East. It was added to meat dishes, desserts, stews, drinks and baked various gingerbread. Today this culture is cultivated mainly in China, Ceylon, India, Indonesia, as well as in Australia, Jamaica, West Africa (Nigeria).

Before talking about the ginger root - its health benefits and harms, you should pay attention to the fact that in Russian supermarkets, fresh ginger tubers and pickled ones are most often of Chinese origin. Therefore, it is important to know that fresh ginger should not be used immediately. For the production of all crops in China, huge doses of chemicals and pesticides are used, and all products are also processed before transportation (see Chinese harm).

Therefore, before using fresh ginger, it must be thoroughly washed, cleaned, then placed in water for an hour to reduce the toxic effects on the body. Dry powder usually has foreign impurities and coarse varieties of roots are used for it - it is better not to use it. The dried root changes its properties, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are enhanced, but the stimulation of digestion is reduced.

The industrial production of this spice in China is very developed - it is preserved in syrup, pickled, candied (boiled in sugar syrup), used as an infusion. In countries where fresh ginger is available, dried ginger is not in demand because the powder has a sluggish taste and aroma. Commodity varieties of ginger, depending on the processing, are divided into:

• White - Bengali or Jamaican - is the highest grade
• Bleached - peeled and aged in lime mortar
• Black Barbadian- unpeeled, but simply scalded or boiled

Not sluggish, dense, smooth fresh roots are considered good in quality; when broken, they should crunch, the aroma and taste of such ginger is stronger. When choosing, preference should be given to a light and shiny root, dark is much worse than light. If you purchase a powder, it should not be white-gray, but only sandy, light yellow, and should also be hermetically sealed.

Useful, medicinal properties of ginger root

Ginger contains a wide variety of useful substances, it has a very complex composition, including up to 400 chemical compounds, so it has a lot of medicinal properties. The root has a pleasant aroma of essential oils, which contain about 1-3%, a burning taste - gives Gingerol (phenol-like substance), it is saturated with natural sugars, carbohydrates, fats, resins, vitamins, fiber, minerals:

What are the health benefits of ginger?

Helps improve the functioning of the digestive tract

Ginger is useful in that it improves appetite, while speeding up metabolism, its use is recommended for violations of cholesterol and fat metabolism, thanks to the essential amino acids that make up its composition. This spice also contains substances that improve blood circulation, so the metabolism is accelerated and it can be used by those who are struggling with excess weight, since the stimulation of the calorie burning process contributes to weight loss. Moreover, ginger contributes to the normalization of bowel function, regulates peristalsis. Foods that are flavored with ginger root can be better absorbed by the body.

Anti-inflammatory action

The most popular use of ginger root is the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory diseases, colds, bronchitis, sore throats, since it has a moderate anti-inflammatory effect. In some European countries, ginger ale and beer are used to treat colds and are heated before drinking and are believed to lead to a quick recovery. In China, egg omelet with ginger is a folk remedy for coughs, and special cough drops are also made from the root.

Analgesic action

With any muscle, headache, joint pain - it helps to reduce pain. At home, this property of ginger can be used as follows - the grated root or its powder is mixed with water and applied as a compress to a painful place.

Antiemetic

Another useful property of ginger is its antiemetic effect. Numerous studies claim that this product is useful for reducing nausea of ​​any origin. It reduces the manifestations of toxicosis during pregnancy (see), with motion sickness, and reduces nausea as a consequence of chemotherapy, nausea during motion sickness in transport.

Immunostimulating

The benefit of ginger root also lies in the fact that it is a fairly strong antioxidant, it calms the nervous system, improves memory, strengthens the immune system, helps to cope with stress, improves visual acuity, concentration, helps, colds, is an excellent tonic.

Ginger Root Contraindications and Potential Health Harm

There is a lot of information about the medicinal properties of ginger, but with various diseases it can harm health. The benefits and harms of ginger should be considered by people who have any serious health problems, chronic diseases. Many believe that if this is a herbal remedy, then it can be used by everyone without restriction without harm to health. Ginger has certain contraindications and you should definitely consult a doctor before consuming it.

Ginger can not be used simultaneously with certain drugs:

• antiarrhythmic drugs;
• drugs that lower blood pressure;
• drugs that stimulate the work of the heart muscle;
• sugar-lowering drugs - it enhances their action, which leads to an increase in their action and side effects (see). It increases the risk of hypokalemia, and also reduces the effectiveness of beta-blockers.

When it is used, blood clotting decreases, this should be taken into account when taking various medicines that have the same side effects. With a tendency to bleeding and damage to small blood vessels, its use is contraindicated (, etc.)

You can not take it with fever, high temperature - it can contribute to its increase. With viral infections, colds with a slight temperature, its use is acceptable, and with influenza with a high temperature, it should not be used.

The potential harm of ginger root is possible with a stroke, coronary heart disease, with a heart attack and pre-infarction condition, with hypertension. In the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, its use is not desirable, as this can cause an increase in blood pressure.

With skin diseases, ginger can cause skin irritation or exacerbation of existing chronic skin diseases.

It is contraindicated in any liver disease - hepatitis, as well as in cholelithiasis.

Everything is good in moderation, with excessive consumption of ginger, allergic reactions, diarrhea or vomiting can occur, therefore this product should not be abused and if indigestion or allergies appear, its consumption should be stopped.

How to store ginger root?

• The entire supply of aromatic substances and essential oils is located under the skin, so it should be cleaned carefully, thinner
• Fresh root can keep fresh when stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. A dry root can retain beneficial properties for about 4 months.
• When grinding it, it is better not to use a wooden cutting board that absorbs the juice of the root.
• Ginger juice can irritate mucous membranes, so you should wash your hands thoroughly after contact with fresh root.
• For grinding, it is better to use a grater, it will help get rid of the hard veins that are at the root
• To preserve ginger, it can be peeled and steeped in vodka, wine, and both the root itself and the flavored drink as a seasoning can be used for several weeks.